May 2, 2024

The Imperative of Supply Chain Visibility: Lessons from the Pandemic Create Solutions for Today

Disruptions of global trade caused by the pandemic highlighted the importance of having real-time insights into the movement of goods along the supply chain. Shippers, consumers, and regulators now demand a more holistic view of how products are produced, transported, and delivered. In this blog post, we'll explore the lessons learned from the pandemic and discuss three essential solutions offered by Mariner to enhance supply chain visibility: Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and International Track & Trace.

May 2, 2024

The Imperative of Supply Chain Visibility: Lessons from the Pandemic Create Solutions for Today

Disruptions of global trade caused by the pandemic highlighted the importance of having real-time insights into the movement of goods along the supply chain. Shippers, consumers, and regulators now demand a more holistic view of how products are produced, transported, and delivered. In this blog post, we'll explore the lessons learned from the pandemic and discuss three essential solutions offered by Mariner to enhance supply chain visibility: Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and International Track & Trace.

Guest

Contributors

Geoff Hawtrey

Director of IT

Tags

Warehousing & Fulfillment
Technology
Transportation
Logistics
International

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The Visibility Problem during the Pandemic

According to a report, nearly 75% of companies experienced supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, with visibility gaps being a significant contributing factor. These disruptions led to an estimated global loss of $4 trillion in the first half of 2020 alone. Furthermore, research by McKinsey & Company found that companies with end-to-end supply chain visibility were better equipped to mitigate the impact of disruptions and maintain operational continuity.

Lessons Learned and Solutions Needed

First and foremost is the need for enhanced supply chain visibility to anticipate and respond to disruptions effectively. Real-time insights into inventory levels, shipment status, and production schedules are essential for proactive decision-making and risk management.

Secondly, businesses recognize the importance of investing in digital solutions that provide end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. Traditional methods of tracking shipments, such as manual spreadsheets and emails, are no longer sufficient in today's fast-paced and dynamic environment. Technology-driven solutions offer automation, scalability, and accuracy, enabling businesses to stay ahead of disruptions and maintain customer satisfaction.

Finally, collaboration and transparency have become critical success factors in supply chain management. As supply chains become increasingly interconnected and globalized, stakeholders must share data and insights to optimize operations and mitigate risks collectively. Building trust and fostering partnerships with suppliers, carriers, and logistics providers is essential for achieving end-to-end visibility and resilience.

Mariner Solutions for Enhanced Visibility

Mariner offers a suite of solutions designed to address the challenges of supply chain visibility in today's complex environment. Let's explore three key offerings:

Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Mariner's TMS provides comprehensive visibility into transportation operations, allowing businesses to optimize freight movement and reduce costs. With features such as real-time track & trace, carrier selection, and compliance checks, the TMS enables shippers to monitor shipments from origin to destination. By leveraging data analytics and automation, businesses can identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and improve overall supply chain performance.

According to industry research, companies that implement TMS solutions experience an average savings of 8-12% on transportation costs and a 6-8% increase in on-time deliveries. By harnessing the power of technology, Mariner's TMS empowers businesses to achieve greater visibility and control over their transportation networks.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Mariner's WMS offers end-to-end visibility and control over warehouse operations, from receiving to shipping. With features such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and workflow automation, the WMS enables businesses to optimize warehouse processes and improve efficiency. Real-time data and analytics provide insights into inventory levels, stock movements, and order status, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and respond quickly to changing demand.

Studies have shown that companies using WMS solutions experience a 20-30% increase in warehouse productivity and a 10-20% reduction in operating costs. By implementing Mariner's WMS, businesses can achieve greater visibility and agility in their warehouse operations, leading to improved customer service and competitive advantage.

International Track & Trace

Mariner's International Track & Trace solution provides visibility into global shipments, allowing businesses to monitor the movement of goods across borders and regions. With features such as real-time tracking, key event notifications, and compliance validations, the solution enables businesses to navigate complex international trade regulations and ensure compliance with customs requirements.

Research has shown that companies with visibility into international shipments experience a 15-20% reduction in transit times and a 10-15% decrease in customs-related delays. By leveraging Mariner's International Track & Trace solution, businesses can streamline their global supply chains, minimize risks, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of supply chain visibility in today's interconnected world. Businesses that invest in technology-driven solutions like Mariner's TMS, WMS, and International Track & Trace can gain a competitive edge by achieving end-to-end visibility, optimizing operations, and mitigating risks. As the global economy continues to evolve, supply chain visibility will remain paramount for businesses seeking to thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable environment. 

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